TIA Meets with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to Advance Roadway Safety and Tire Industry Priorities
Bowie, Md. – On July 1, 2026, the Tire Industry Association (TIA) CEO Richard "Dick" Gust and Vice President of Government Affairs Roy Littlefield IV met with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy at the United States Department of Transportation headquarters in Washington, D.C., to discuss key transportation and tire industry priorities. During the meeting, TIA presented Secretary Duffy with the TIA Leadership Award in recognition of his support of the Association's inaugural Roadside Service Safety Week.
Also participating in the meeting was Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), who joined the discussion on several issues impacting motorists, roadside service professionals, and the tire industry.
TIA leadership discussed several of the Association's top priorities, including expanding consumer tire safety education, strengthening Move Over laws to better protect roadside workers, advancing the use of rubber-modified asphalt as a sustainable infrastructure solution, and preserving consumer choice through Right to Repair legislation.
"As the voice of the tire industry, it is important that TIA continues to engage directly with policymakers on issues that impact both our members and the motoring public," said Richard "Dick" Gust, CEO of the Tire Industry Association. "We appreciate Secretary Duffy taking the time to meet with us to discuss these important initiatives, and it was our privilege to recognize his support of TIA's inaugural Roadside Service Safety Week."
Secretary Duffy's support of TIA's inaugural Roadside Service Safety Week helped elevate awareness of the importance of protecting roadside service professionals and encouraged motorists to slow down, move over, and remain alert when approaching roadside incidents.
"We are grateful for Secretary Duffy's support of Roadside Service Safety Week and his willingness to engage with TIA on issues that affect roadway safety," said Roy Littlefield IV, TIA Vice President of Government Affairs. "Today's discussion reinforced the importance of collaboration between government and industry as we work to improve safety, strengthen consumer education, and advance policies that benefit motorists and tire professionals alike."
TIA looks forward to continuing its work with the U.S. Department of Transportation and other federal leaders to advance initiatives that promote roadway safety, strengthen consumer education, and address key issues affecting the tire industry.